Chargers News: Division Rival Chiefs Trade For Reinforcements Days Before Sunday's Matchup

The reigning Super Bowl champs are bolstering their offense.

After a ridiculously rough start with his new team in 2023, Mecole Hardman is returning home. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the Kansas City Chiefs reacquired their former wide receiver from the New York Jets. The Chiefs sent a 2025 6th round draft ick to New York. In return along with Hardman, Kansas City is set to receive a compensatory 2025 7th-round selection from New York. 

This had been an abysmal year for Hardman. Expecting to catch passes from Aaron Rodgers, the Achilles injury suffered in Week 1 led to Zach Wilson taking the reins of the Jets' offense. 

Chiefs trading for WR Mecole Hardman. (via @JamesPalmerTV) pic.twitter.com/uz1TFQZ5PA

— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2023

For some odd reason, Hardman's ability as a deep threat over the top was rarely used. In five games with the Jets, Hardman had only one catch for six yards. In four years with the Chiefs, Hardman combined to accrue 152 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns. 

Kansas City's group of receivers hasn't exactly been up to par thus far this year. Relying on journeymen and rookies, Patrick Mahomes seemingly had been searching for a target he could trust.

Enter Hardman -- a guy who knows Mahomes and his tendencies inside and out. You can expect the Chiefs to utilize Hardman right from the jump, both as a perimeter receiver and as a returner. 

A mock up of how Mecole Hardman will look in a Chiefs’ uniform: pic.twitter.com/fZLwKFYZOZ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2023

In four days, the Chargers will be playing Kansas City in Arrowhead Stadium. The addition of Hardman doesn't help matters. For one thing, there won't be much time needed in terms of acclimating to an offense he already knows. 

Additionally, Hardman will most likely want to prove himself in the process after such a disappointing short tenure with the Jets. 

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